Growing older can bring many positive events and aspects into your life, along with a few challenges. You may find situations such as limited mobility, restricted flexibility between joints, symptoms of mental health problems such as Parkinson’s, depression, cognitive deterioration, and other challenges.
Exercise is one of the most strongly recommended activities for seniors to participate in as the right form of fitness can help improve quality of life and provide support combating different symptoms and challenges in your life. Exercise is also great for improving physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Many studies have found that forms of exercise like dance and Tai-Chi have amazing positive effects on specific challenges found in seniors.
Dance NZ has Nia Dance classes specifically designed for seniors with multiple options to access these classes. But what is Nia Dance and why should you choose this form of fitness and dance over another one?

Nia Dance Provides Gentle Movements
Well, Nia Dance is a free-flowing form of movement and a non-impact form of dance and exercise that is extremely adaptable to each and every person’s specific requirements and abilities. You don’t force movements on your body if they don’t feel right, and instead, adjust the style of the movements to your body’s requirements, creating your own personal flair.
Made up of 52 total movements, Nia Dance is a unique blend of martial arts (Tai-Chi), healing arts (Yoga), and dance arts (Duncan Dance) which is what allows such versatility within the movements. Nia Dance also uses the combination and movements of this art to target specific areas of the body’s unique design, creating a multitude of benefits.


The Benefits of Nia Dance
There are numerous benefits that come from Nia Dance targeting your physical health, mental health, spirituality, connection to self, and emotional wellbeing and lifestyle. Some of the benefits that individuals report while practicing Nia Dance includes pain relief, supported body circulation, enhanced sensory awareness, improved cognitive and organ functions, decrease in depression and anxiety symptoms, calm energy, and boosted coordination and balance to name a few.
As well as all these benefits listed above, you’ll also have the benefit of creating new social connections and be able to maintain a good level of socialisation each week. When it comes to depression in seniors, one of the leading reasons for symptoms of depression is lack of contact with others. Putting a Nia Dance class in your weekly routine is a great way to create new friendships and maintain socialisation; at Dance NZ you’ll find opportunities to get together with your peers and teacher outside of class too (like celebratory dinners)!
Classes Best for You
There are three different classes that would suit seniors but depend on your current level of mobility and any injuries or specific ailments you may have. The class most ideal for a broad variety of seniors is Gentle Nia, which takes the movements from the Nia Technique and reworks them so they’re suitable for individuals with less mobility and flexibility, as well as beginners in any age range.
Nia Dance Move to Heal is perfect if you’re suffering from any injuries or ailments, as it is a registered ACC recovery program and is a Waikato-approved Strength and Balance class for seniors and those with limited mobility. Similar to Gentle Nia, the movements within this class are much more gentle and are specifically adapted to support those with specific injuries or movement issues.
The other class offered is a class specifically composed for those with Parkinson’s; Nia for Parkinson’s Freedom Dance is a class designed for individuals with Parkinson’s and their caregivers. This class is limited, however, to those with Parkinson’s and their caregivers only.
Classes are also available online as live Zoom sessions, as well as physical classes, so if you have any limitations restricting you from attending physical classes, such as transportation or mobility issues, you can watch and attend the class of your choice from home!
Book Now
Nia Dance has fantastic health benefits and is a great form of movement for seniors due to its adaptability and low intensity. Dance NZ offers three amazing classes, plus two others if you wish to find out more, as well as the ability to provide viewership and attendance online and in-person.
Weekly Dance classes to choose from , dancing Live Online or In person at our Dance Venues
• Nia Dance Move to Heal classes are at Saint Aidan’s Hall, Tuesday at 11:15 am (corner of Thames Street and Heaphy Terrace, Hamilton). Physical classes and Zoom sessions are open for booking here.
• Classic Nia classes are at Waikato Sports & Fishing Club, Tuesday at 5:30 pm (Grantham Street, Hamilton). Physical classes and Zoom sessions are open for booking here.
• Gentle Nia classes are at Raglan Town Hall, Wednesday at 9:30 am (located on 41 Bow Street, Raglan). Physical classes and Zoom sessions are open for booking here.
• Classic Nia classes are at Saint John’s Hall, Friday at 9:30 am (20 Wellington Street, Hamilton). Physical classes and Zoom sessions are open for booking here.
• Nia for Parkinson’s Freedom Dance classes are held at Saint John’s Hall, Friday at 12:00 pm (located on 20 Wellington Street, Hamilton). Physical classes and Zoom sessions are open for booking here.
More information about the Nia Technique can be located at nianow.com.